$1.50 February 9, 2024 | Vol. 3 Iss. 05
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‘Native American Movie Actors’
MORGAN COUNTY NEWS
Book looks at impact they had on films. page 7
Covering Your Community Since 1929
Moon River: dinner and dancing
NEWS BREAK 66 Annual Grammy Awards bring surprises
The Grammy Awards held just last week brought many surprises and gratifying wins. John Williams took home a Grammy for his work on the latest “Indiana Jones”, making 26 for the renowned 91-year-old composer, the artist SZA took the most nominations for 2024, and Billie Eilish took home Song of the Year for her original song in “Barbie.” What came as a shock to many, her own fans included, however, was the announcement made by Taylor Swift, that a new album would be released this year, adding fuel to the fire of the Taylor Swift craze that has been sweeping the globe along with her “Eras Tour.”
Disneyland closes early as California pounded with precipitation
THE JAZZ BAND performs in the back left corner of the commons area at MHS. Background enhanced by AI.
Photo by John Heywood
By Ethan Hoffmann
O
n Saturday, Jan. 27, the Morgan High School Jazz Band hosted a fun night of good food and live music. Ticket pricing varied depending on whether patrons registered as a family or a couple and a cheaper dance-only ticket was also provided. Doors opened at 6 p.m. and a delicious dinner of pulled pork sandwiches (sponsored by Bingham’s Custom Meats), baked beans, macaroni, and cheese, and coleslaw was served at 6:30 p.m. Multiple parents worked hard to prepare the meal throughout the day and it was served by the band students
that evening. After dinner was distributed to the patrons, performers had the opportunity to visit with their family and friends while they ate. At 7:30 p.m., band director Chad McLean gave his remarks to the audience and invited the crowd to join the band in the commons area to begin the dance portion of the fundraiser. John Heywood and his wife Sunni provided group pictures in front of a jazzy balloon backdrop free of cost. In addition, a refreshment table of cookies and lemonade was available to patrons. The jazz band played a variety of songs including, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’m Still Stand-
ing, Footloose, and the Moana favorite You’re Welcome. The band wrapped up the evening by playing Moon River, the event's namesake. All profits after food costs were given back to the band students. The proceeds of the fundraiser will go toward the band's trip to Los Angeles, California at the end of the school year. The trip will begin on April 16 and they will be returning on April 21. The students will be visiting various amusement parks including Disneyland, California Adventure, and Six Flags. In addition, they will be performing at multiple venues. More photos on page 5 l
Utah Honor Medal presented to 11 Veterans
U
tah became the fourth state to offer the Cold War Victory Medal to all veterans (including Reservist and National Guard) who honorably served between Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991. Eleven veterans from Morgan County were awarded the Utah Honor Medal on Jan. 27 at the Morgan County Courthouse. This is the second awards ceremony Morgan’s VFW Post have conducted in ceremony. They will continue to accept applications for qualifying veterans over the next couple of months. Contact Allen Hess (ahess6@msn.com) or Van Nelson (vnels29@gmail. com) if you feel you qualify and a later presentation will be arranged. More photos on page 8 l
LARRY KERR, conducts the meeting.
Courtesy photo
Historic rainfall has pounded the west coast as it makes its way east, but not before inflicting some serious damage in the area. Mudslides, standing water, and other dangerous conditions have pervaded much of the state, including the city of Anaheim. One of the most popular destinations in the region, Disneyland, even announced early closures several days during the downpours to accommodate the safety of their guests. While not unprecedented, closures of this sort go to show just how serious the recent storms have been.
US and UK Strike targets in Yemen
After stating two weeks ago that the U.S. had plans to retaliate against a drone attack that resulted in the loss of three servicemembers, the plan became apparent when it was revealed that U.S. and U.K. forces had struck a number of sites in Yemen linked to the attack. Since Friday’s U.S. response, 3 more attacks have been launched on Western forces, believed to have been coordinated by Iranian military forces and affiliated militia groups. The State Department has been in talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about regional coordination to bring about a cessation of military hostilities in the area, and methods for providing humanitarian relief in Gaza and Israel.
King Charles III announces cancer diagnosis
Less than a year after his official coronation in May of 2023, the United Kingdom’s King Charles III, 75, revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. As a result of his medical recovery, the King will be stepping back from outward-facing, in-person duties for the next few months. “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” a palace spokesperson stated on Monday. In the event that Charles requires more significant medical intervention, his oldest son Prince William is the next in line to fill the role.